What is a Dermatologist or Skin Specialist?

Dermatologists are surgically trained doctors, who after completing their medical degree then undertake four more years of training to specialise in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of skin diseases and skin cancers. Australian dermatologists spend a lot of time treating diseases caused by sun exposure, particularly sunspots and skin cancers.

Medical and Surgical Dermatology.

Reasons to See a Brisbane CBD Dermatologist?

Acne

Acne is an extremely common and recurring skin problem that usually begins in adolescence. Unfortunately up to 85% of us have suffered from acne at some point during their lives and while acne isn’t just restricted to teenagers, those aged 15 to 25 are most likely to suffer from acne.

Good news is that acne is absolutely curable with the right treatment.

Acne occurs when too much oil and dead skin cells obstruct the opening of your skin pores, which allows bacteria to grow. Your associated oil (sebaceous) glands become blocked and inflamed. Pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and infected pus-filled spots break out on the face, neck, back and chest for the reason that this is where oil glands are largest and most active.

Acne can be painful, disfiguring and uncomfortable. If the area continues to become infected then bigger, redder, deeper and tender nodules or cysts may develop and lead to scarring on your face, chest or back (keloid scarring).

Wash the face with warm water and a soft face cloth (with a mild soap if desired) to get rid of oil. If this leaves the face still feeling oily, an over-the-counter acne wash or cleanser that contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide may be helpful.

Stay clear of abrasive scrubs, toners, and cleansers.

Minimize squeezing and picking pimples as this irritates inflamed lesions and is more likely to lead to scarring.

At Skinn Clinics we understand that acne is something you don’t want to wait weeks and months to sort out.

Brisbane CBD Acne Clinic

We have now introduced new acne clinics every Tuesday and Wednesday where you can be seen with minimal waiting time.

Perfect for teenagers and adults alike. You don’t need to make a big deal about it, see our experienced and confidential dermatologists and discover the latest treatment options and health and lifestyle factors, providing you the very best methods to get rid of your acne today. Focusing on the face, shoulder and back acne.

Ask your local General Practitioner for a referral to the special acne clinic and contact reception to book an appointment time! Medicare rebates available.

Light microdermabrasion, chemical peels or laser and light systems may help mild acne. Fractional laser resurfacing and dermal fillers are used to treat scarring. Skin needling can also be effective in the treatment of acne scars, which break down scar tissue and stimulates the formation of new collagen.

Melanoma.

Melanoma is a form of cancer that originates from the melanocytes, the cells in the skin that create the skin pigment and cause freckles, moles and give you your suntan.

Melanoma can occur anyplace on the skin, even the soles of the feet. They develop quickly, and if not treated, they may spread to the lower layers of skin where cells can escape and be carried to other regions of the body or lymph vessels, this is called metastasis.

The main cause of melanoma and other skin cancers is exposure to UV radiation from the sun and other sources, such as solariums and tanning beds. Having other family members affected by melanoma also heightens your risk of melanoma as the problem can be inherited. Australians have the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.

Melanomas can vary greatly in the way they appear. The primary sign of melanoma is usually a change in an existing freckle or mole or the appearance of a new spot.

If melanomas are removed at an early stage, they are completely curable.

Eczema and Dermatitis.

The most common type of eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin disorder that creates very dry and itchy areas of skin when the skin loses its moisture. These patches can be anywhere on the body but are mostly on the lower and upper limbs. Without moisture, the skin becomes weak and can’t provide a protective barrier for the body. Skin becomes very easily aggravated and responds with a dry rash in the weak areas.

Why people get eczema is still uncertain, however, research has found that it is hereditary and that people who have eczema often have other hypersensitive conditions, like hayfever and asthma.

There are other types of eczema including discoid eczema, allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis and eczema craquèle.

These conditions can be managed and the symptoms relieved through the use of topical treatments, antihistamines and avoiding ‘triggers.’.

Helpful Tips for Treating Atopic Dermatitis (commonly known as Eczema)

Stay clear of possible triggers such as wool or synthetic fibers, dust and dust mites, pollens, fragrances and cosmetics and sometimes food allergies.

Use a non-soap cleanser or Sorbolene cream when you bathe. Immediately after bathing, apply a moisturizing cream or ointment to hydrate your skin.

Use a moisturizer each time you clean your hands.

Psoriasis.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, where the immune system becomes overactive, and attacks the skin causing inflammation.

Psoriasis often appears with dry, red, scaly skin patches. However, it can come in many different forms and affect any part of your skin and nails. This condition most commonly appears on your knees, elbows and scalp.

Fortunately psoriasis has a lot of successful treatment options. As a result of new and amazing research, and new treatments are being developed regularly. Severe psoriasis is now becoming a distant memory.

Sun Damage.

UVA rays, also know as Ultraviolet A light, can penetrate deep into the dermis layer of the skin and are the cause of the visible signs of ageing and skin damage.

These wavelengths don’t cause sunburn but do have an effect on our immune system locally in the skin, and can result in developing skin cancer.

The other effect that UVA rays have is that by penetrating into the middle layers of skin, they are responsible for damage to collagen elastic skin cells, resulting in aging of the skin, wrinkling, and colour changes. That is why sunscreen is so important, to which effectively blocks these UVA rays.

UVB rays, known as Ultraviolet B, penetrate right into the upper layers of the skin known as the epidermis triggering the skin to burn.

UVA B actually damages the DNA of your skin cells, and therefore predispose to the development of skin cancer.

The majority of sunscreens in today’s market are quite effective at screening the UVB component of sunlight. However, it is still possible to burn even when using sunscreen, sunscreens just allow you to stay out longer before you sunburn. UVA C rays are blocked by the ozone layer.

Helpful Tips When Avoiding Sunburn:

Remember the sun’s rays are strongest throughout the middle of the day.

Seek shade where possible.

Clothing is better at blocking UV than sunscreen. So put on protective clothing and accessories.

Always apply sunscreen regularly

More costly sunscreen doesn’t mean more effective.

Zinc and titanium are very effective in blocking UVA and UVB, and these sunscreens may be combined with chemical blockers or be the single active agent in the sunscreen eg. Clear Zinc.

Skin Cancers.

Our bodies are constantly making new cells, occasionally something goes wrong with this process and cells grow in an uncontrolled way. This uncontrolled growth may result in a lump called a tumour.

Tumours can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A malignant tumour is made up of cancer cells.

The three most common forms of skin cancer are Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and Melanoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)– Are usually red, red-white or pearly in colour and may bleed. They don’t typically hurt or itch. This type of skin cancer tends to grow slowly and doesn’t generally spread to other parts of the body. Nevertheless, if left untreated BCCs will grow and progress deeper into the skin and damage nearby tissue. This may make treatment more challenging and increases the chance of the skin cancer coming back.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)– May appear as thickened red scaly spots, which later may bleed easily or be tender to touch. They can look like a sore that hasn’t healed. SCCs tend to grow quickly over several months and can spread to other parts of the body.

Newer procedures for some types of pre-cancers or early cancers include various anti-cancer creams, although many cancers will need to be removed surgically to be cured.

The sooner you seek treatment for a skin cancer, the more likely is the chance of complete cure and more effective cosmetic outcome from treatment.

Other Dermatology Clinics:

As well as our specialists and dermatologist Brisbane CBD, we also service Cannon Hill, Paddington, and Capalaba. Your local Brisbane CBD doctors provide dermatologist in Brisbane City, Fortitude Valley, New Farm, Newstead, and Spring Hill QLD areas.

Book an appointment
with our Brisbane CBD Dermatologist and Skin Specialist today